Seton Hall University’s basketball team faced their first defeat of the season, succumbing to the University of Southern California (USC) with a close score of 83-81 during the semifinals of the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. The Pirates had a promising start to the season, having recently pulled off an impressive upset over No. 23 N.C. State, but their journey hit a bump against the Trojans.
Free throws significantly influenced the outcome of the game. USC showcased a dominant performance from the free-throw line, converting 31 of 38 attempts, while Seton Hall struggled with just 12 of 18. The Pirates managed to tie the game at 78 with a three-pointer from AJ Staton-McCray, following a crucial steal by Budd Clark. However, after a key foul by Stephon Payne, Chad Baker-Mazara sank two free throws putting USC back in the lead.
Clark’s performance was vital for The Hall, as he led the team with 18 points and 7 assists. However, foul trouble marred the game, culminating in Clark fouling out late in the match. Seton Hall fought hard in the closing minutes, cutting USC’s lead to just two points with a late free throw by Mike Williams III, but a final push from USC sealed the Pirates’ fate.
Despite the setback, Coach Shaheen Holloway remains optimistic about the team’s potential, stating, “We’re down here for business…It’s just the first step in our journey.” Looking forward, the Pirates will have the chance to regroup and compete again, facing either Arizona State or Washington State in the third-place game.
This game revealed both strengths and areas for improvement as Seton Hall seeks to bounce back and build on their early-season momentum. The commitment to growth and resilience can inspire fans and followers as the Pirates navigate through their season.